Akira: Experiential Knowledge

Well, I was told to work on the story-telling aspect of this blog so I suppose I'll attempt to impart some form of wisdom found through my experiences in Greece; which aren't many so far, but I can give it a shot.

Hm. Well...Yesterday I learned that people can be kind and generous despite the language barrier. They can make a strong impact while saying completely indistinguishable things.

Twice now I have had difficulties opening the door to my apartment and twice now the little old lady across the way has come out of her home to help.

Yesterday was a particularly difficult day due to an incredible number of reasons I don't care to get into and I ended up outside my apartment, locked-out, in the dark, crying. The old woman heard the desperate rattling I was making and took several minutes to demonstrate the nuances of the lock. She can't speak a word of English but took my hand and guided me with her fingers as soft and wrinkled as withering hibiscus petals.

Once she noticed I was crying, she stroked face in that tender, loving, grandmother sort of way only an old lady can. She babbled at me in Greek and the words sounded coarse but her face was beaming and gentle. Her little yorkie was wiggling all over the hall. He was a good boy and didn't make any noise, just danced about. He looked healthy and clean. His fur was soft and he almost seemed to smile as he scuttled around. She must take incredible care of him.

As she helped me, she left her door wide open. The interior of her home was decorated with gold and sparkling nick-naks. Little random things with no purpose other than beauty. The floors were carpeted in deep green. Her walls had antique rose-printed paper--dusty pink and maroon and green--and the lights were dull but warm.

I hugged her. She gave me two pieces of candy. I had no idea what she was saying and she had no clue what I was trying to get out between sobs but her kindness easily transcended the language barrier. Her generosity and compassion went beyond the spoken word and brought comfort to a very distressed American girl. I think of her now when I want to feel a bit better--She's close, just across the hall, and would probably welcome me if I knocked on her door.

I'm going to try to find her a gift. As a thank you. She's done more for me than she realizes.